Storm Beta Upgraded Into a Hurricane

[Eugene]

Storm Beta Upgraded Into a Hurricane


Saturday October 29, 2005 11:01 AM

AP Photo NY109

By MARKO ALVAREZ

Associated Press Writer

SAN ANDRES ISLAND, Colombia (AP) - The storm Beta strengthened as it
battered the tiny Caribbean island of Providencia on Saturday, setting
a record by becoming the 13th hurricane of this relentless Atlantic
season.

Beta lashed the mountainous Manhattan-sized island owned by Colombia
with damaging winds, torrential rains and high surf, said the National
Hurricane Center in Miami.

"Extensive damage to homes has occurred on the island," the hurricane
center said. Though the center said all communications to Providencia
have been lost, there was intermittent phone service.

During a brief time in which phones were working on the island,
officials there said scores of homes had been damaged, but it appeared
residents were safe.

<snip>

More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5378124,00.html

[Warren Stupidity]

1. No cause for alarm.

Pay no attention to the fact that we ran out of regular letters.
Move along. Nothing to see here.

[uppityperson]

2. wunderground satellite photo and advisory

Beta now moving westward and continuing to strengthen...


a Hurricane Warning remains in effect for the northeastern coast of
Honduras from Punta patuca to Cabo Gracias a Dios. A Hurricane
Warning remains in effect for the island of Providencia. A
Hurricane Warning is also in effect for the eastern coast of
Nicaragua from Bluefields northward to Cabo Gracias a Dios near the
Nicaragua/Honduras border...and adjacent islands.


A Tropical Storm Warning and a Hurricane Watch remain in effect for
the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua south of Bluefields to the border
with Costa Rica.


A tropical storm watch remains in effect for the northeastern coast
of Honduras from Limon eastward to west of Punta patuca...including
la Ceiba.


A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected
within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Preparations to
protect life and property should be rushed to completion. A
Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within
the watch area...generally within 36 hours. A tropical storm watch
means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch
area...generally within 36 hours.


For storm information specific to your area...including possible
inland watches and warnings...please monitor products issued
by your local weather office.


At 2 PM EDT...1800z...the center of Hurricane Beta was located near
latitude 13.9 north...longitude 82.1 west or about 65 miles...
105 km...northwest of the island of Providencia. This is also
about 100 miles... 165 km...southeast of Cabo Gracias a Dios on
the Nicaragua/Honduras border and about 85 miles... 135 km...east
of Puerto Cabezas Nicaragua.


Beta is now moving toward the west near 5 mph... 8 km/hr. This
general motion should continue at a slightly faster forward speed
during the next 24 hours. This motion should bring the center of
Beta near the northeastern coast of Nicaragua and the nearby
islands late tonight or early Sunday.


Maximum sustained winds are near 90 mph...145 km/hr...with higher
gusts. Beta is a category one hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson
scale. Strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours. Beta
is expected to become a category two hurricane before landfall in
Nicaragua...and there is a chance it could become a category three
hurricane.


Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 15 miles... 30 km...
from the center...and tropical storm force winds extend outward up
to 60 miles... 95 km.


Estimated minimum central pressure is 975 mb...28.79 inches.


Storm surge flooding of 10 to 15 feet above normal tide levels is
possible along the eastern coast of Nicaragua near and to the north
of where the center makes landfall. Storm surge flooding on
Providencia should gradually subside today and tonight as the
center of Beta moves away.


Hurricane Beta is expected to produce torrential rainfall with
totals of 10 to 15 inches across northeastern Honduras...Nicaragua
...San Andres...and Providencia...with isolated maximum amounts of
25 inches possible.


Repeating the 2 PM EDT position...13.9 N... 82.1 W. Movement
toward...west near 5 mph. Maximum sustained
winds... 90 mph. Minimum central pressure... 975 mb.


The next advisory will be issued by the National
Hurricane Center at 5 PM EDT.